Vendor pitches return-of-premium accident and illness plan to county commissioners

Nicholas, who identified himself as a representative of Family Heritage, presented a supplemental fixed-indemnity plan to county participants and described it as a way to replace lost income and cover household expenses when serious illness or injury strikes. He said the plan pays cash directly to policyholders in addition to any health insurance payments and, if unused, returns premiums after 25 years.

Nicholas described two coverage tiers — “preferred” and “elite” — and said the elite tier includes an initial benefit of $6,000 for a first-occurrence heart attack or stroke and a daily hospitalization benefit of $800. “This pays benefits directly to you,” he said, adding that claim payments can be deposited directly to a policyholder’s bank account. He also read a policyholder testimonial in which a family said the policy paid more than $134,000 for a major stroke.

The representative said the product is guaranteed renewable for life as long as premiums are paid and that, according to his presentation, existing policyholders’ premiums do not increase with age or because of claims. He emphasized the product is intended to cover indirect costs such as lost wages and household bills rather than replace medical coverage paid by health insurers.

Nicholas proposed follow-up visits with county departments and said the vendor handles enrollments to minimize HR or payroll burden. He offered to coordinate with a local contact named during the meeting and to schedule demonstrations for department staff.